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Coronavirus causes big disruptions
By B.C. Manion bcmanion@lakerlutznews.com
The ever-evolving threat posed by coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) has forced schools across Florida to shut down, blocked visitors from nursing homes, caused wide-ranging travel and event cancellations, and stripped grocery aisles — especially of toilet paper and hand sanitizer. Locally, parents of students in the Pasco and Hillsborough county school districts are bracing to prepare for an extended state-ordered spring break.
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The Diocese of St. Petersburg also closed schools and early childhood centers through March 20.The diocese already had scheduled March 16 and March 17 as days off for students.Virtual learning will be conducted March 16 through March 20, according to a Diocese news release. The additional school closures have left thousands of families scrambling to arrange child care, although the impact may be lessened to some degree as many companies are asking workers to work at home, if possible. The World Health Organization has de-
clared COVID-19 a pandemic; President Donald Trump has declared a national state of emergency. Gov. Ron DeSantis has declared a state emergency, and Hillsborough and Pasco counties have declared local states of emergency. As of the morning of March 16, there had been four deaths reported in Florida linked to COVID-19, according to the Florida Health Department, which is the lead agency responding to the threat. The health department also reported See CORONAVIRUS, page 11A
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Using string to create masterpieces
The Land O’ Lakes Branch Library, 2818 Collier Parkway, recently hosted a paint-by-string event, as part of its Try it Tuesday program. This was the library’s first time doing this particular craft. The craft involved placing pieces of string in each of six available watercolor paint colors. One color at a time, participants then placed the painted string in between two pieces of paper, allowing a small section of the string to hang out. To provide weight, a large text book was placed on top of the paper. The final step was to pull the string free from the paper. Each time the child repeated the process, the dragging effect of the string created unique shapes and patterns. Karen Allen is the library’s youth services librarian. The Try it Tuesday program meets every other Tuesday, and gives school-aged children a chance to try something new. Above, Rebecca Jackson, of Lutz, enjoys helping her children, 7-year-old Joel, left, and 3-year-old Hope, as they create their paint-by-string artwork.
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Nine-year-old Victoria Matthews, of Land O’ Lakes, proudly shows off the paint-bystring masterpieces that she made during a recent Try it Tuesday event at the Land O’ Lakes Branch Library. Matthews’ father, Tom, shared that in addition to enjoying art, Victoria is actively involved in Taekwondo and recently received her second-degree black belt.
Nine-year-old Payton Burton, of Land O’ Lakes, pulls a string out of the orange watercolor paint, which will be used to make another design on her paint-by-string artwork. Her father, Daryl, left, said that they were enjoying the craft session together, as they waited for Payton’s sister, Ashlyn, who was attending a Girl Scouts meeting at the library.
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B INSIDE, PAGE 1B
By Brian Fernandes bfernandes@lakerlutznews.com
Customers were ready when the Aldi in Odessa had its grand opening celebration on March 12. The Aldi store is one of the grocery chain’s new locations in Pasco County, and new stores are planned off State Road 56, near Wesley Chapel Boulevard, and another off U.S. 301 in Zephyrhills. Patrons were lined up awaiting the store to open in Odessa. Store Manager Katherine Garner oversees the Aldi store. She held the scissors for the ceremonial ribbon cutting outside. Matt Thon, Aldi division vice president, helped officiate at the grand opening. “We’re really excited to open the Odessa, Florida store,” he said.“It’s our 93rd store in our division here [and] about the 150th in Florida.” It also is now among 1,900 Aldi grocers in the U.S. Thon also noted that Pasco County’s growing population is what appealed the grocery chain to build a number of its stores within the region. The newest Pasco store adopts the same interior design found in many of those in the country.
The aisles are filled with various food items – some commercial brands, but mostly Aldi brands. The store also offers healthy food alternatives, such as vegan and organic products. Many of these foods can be found in the new refrigerated section, which provides additional space to stock. New and already-existing stores will follow this model, as well. Fresh fruits and vegetables are some of the more popular items,Thon said. “From the consumer feedback that we’ve received, and what our customers tell us each and every day, is produce drives their shopping decisions,” he said. The key is to put fresh food with high quality on the line within a timely manner, Thon said. Shopper Cynthia Cameron, of Hudson, came to the store to support the opening of the Odessa branch. Cameron noted that even when she’s in another county, she’ll shop at the nearest branch. “I do like Aldi, and I think they’re a great store to shop at,” she said. She enjoys Aldi’s chicken and its produce. She’s impressed by the store’s prices. See ALDI, page 11A
creates fun options for dogs at park
By Brian Fernandes bfernandes@lakerlutznews.com
When Sean Monahan brainstormed ideas to gain the rank of Eagle Scout, he finally settled on a way to help man’s best friend. The scout decided to incorporate new accessories for dogs at the Carolyn Meeker Dog Park in Lutz. The member of Boy Scout Troop 12 – also in Lutz - had to tackle a project that betters his community as one of his requirements to earn the rank of Eagle Scout. Monahan said that his adoration for dogs sparked the idea to create a more fun and energetic environment for them. “I thought adding agility equipment in both the big and small dog areas would kind of give them a little something more to do,” the 16-year-old said. Joe Monroe is the recreation program supervisor for Hillsborough County Parks and See SCOUT, page 11A